ichael Gargano Jr. was appointed last week to
be the next vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life.
Gargano is currently associate vice president of student and academic
support services at George Washington University in Washington,
D.C.

"Our search committee
recruited a number of very high-quality candidates for the University
to consider," said Chancellor John V. Lombardi. "While
any one of them would have been a superb addition to our campus,
Mike Gargano appeared to be the best match of experience, ability,
and vision for the continued development of our outstanding Student
Affairs Office."

Lombardi added, "Campus
life is critical to the academic success of our students, and Mike
Gargano will provide the commitment and leadership for the next
stage in the continuing development of the programs and activities
that define quality student affairs at a major public research university."

The vice chancellor
for Student Affairs and Campus Life oversees a number of student-related
and other services for the campus community, including Enrollment
Services, which includes Admissions, Financial Aid, and a range
of student support services; the Dean of Students Office, which
oversees Campus Activities, judicial matters, the Everywoman's Center,
the Jewish Affairs Office and the Stonewall Center; Housing Services;
Public Safety; University Health Services; and the Faculty and Staff
Assistance Program.

"I'm excited to
be joining one of the great nationally recognized institutions of
higher learning, and am looking forward to working with Chancellor
Lombardi," Gargano said. "The opportunity to work and
be associated with an outstanding student body, world-class faculty,
and a first-rate professional staff is very appealing."

Gargano has held several
positions at George Washington during his 13-year tenure at that
institution. Named to his current position in 2001, he was responsible
for the management and oversight of key facets of the university's
services for undergraduate education. Those include admissions,
financial aid, campus life, athletics, public safety, student health,
counseling services, housing, international student services, multicultural
and disability services, the career center, alumni relations, dean
of students, parent services, and the University Club.

Also within student
and academic support services at George Washington, Gargano was
assistant vice president (1998-01); executive director, student
activities center (1997-98); and special assistant to the vice president
and executive director of summer orientation (1993-97). From 1988-93,
he was assistant athletic director, external affairs. Prior to joining
George Washington, he also worked in athletics advancement at the
University of Rhode Island and the University of Hartford.

Gargano replaces Jo-Anne
Vanin, who has been interim vice chancellor since last July. She
chose not to be a candidate for the permanent position and plans
to return to her former posts as associate vice chancellor and dean
of students.

"The University
is particularly grateful for the exceptional leadership of Vice
Chancellor Jo-Anne Vanin, whose work with our students has improved
so many aspects of student affairs during her time as vice chancellor
as well as during her many years of service in other roles,"
said Lombardi. "The campus is fortunate that she will continue
in a leadership role within student affairs."

Gargano will assume
his new responsibilities on or about July 1, according to Lombardi.

Search committee chair
Cleve Willis, dean of the School of Natural Resources and the Environment,
said, "Michael Gargano's acceptance of this position is huge.
He captured the imagination of the search committee and the students
with whom he met. I am delighted that we have attracted an individual
of his extraordinary caliber."

Gargano received an
Ed.D. and a master's equivalency in higher education from George
Washington University in 2001. He earned his bachelor's degree in
marketing from the University of Hartford in 1978.